NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Metro Nashville Police are preparing for Tennessee State University graduates and football fans to fill the streets of Nashville and Nissan Stadium on Saturday.

TSU faces Eastern Illinois University for its home opener at 5 p.m

Participants are strongly recommended to arrive early and plan parking options now. More than 80 MNPD officers will be on the streets surrounding Nissan Stadium to direct traffic flow.

MNPD has implemented the same traffic plan used for NFL games, except the Woodland Street Bridge will not be closed.

“Nissan Stadium Campus Prepaid Parking Passes are SOLD OUT for all parking lots. Staff will check for parking permits at the Shelby Avenue and Woodland Street entrances to the Nissan Stadium campus. Limited parking is available for purchase on game days in Lot N, across Shelby Avenue from the stadium. Lot N and all other lots will open at 7 a.m. Saturday and close at 10 p.m.,” MNPD said.

MNPD warns that TSU homecoming traditionally draws the school’s largest football attendance of the year. Alumni and fans without prepaid parking permits are asked to park downtown and walk or rideshare to the stadium.

Here’s what you need to know:

Nissan Stadium ride schedule

Two locations are available near Nissan Stadium: Interstate Drive between Woodland Street and Shelby Avenue and Crutcher Street at S 2nd Street.

HOMECOMING PARADE

TSU’s homecoming festivities on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with the annual parade heading west on Jefferson Street from 14th Avenue to the university campus.

In preparation for and implementation of the parade, Jefferson Street from 10th Avenue North to the TSU campus will be closed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The I-40 westbound exit at Jefferson Street will close at 8:30 a.m

In addition, the following closures apply:

• John A. Merritt Boulevard from 28th to 33rd Avenues
• 12th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 14th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 16th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• Meharry Boulevard between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Phillips Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Jackson Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Ireland Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Scovel Street between 23rd and 28th Avenues
• Beasley Street between 23rd and 28th Avenues
• Ed Temple Boulevard between Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard and Albion Street

“Tennessee State University graduates and football fans traveling to Nissan Stadium on Saturday for this year’s 5 p.m. home game against Eastern Illinois University are urged to make a parking/arrival plan well in advance, arrive at the stadium early and in the afternoon “Expect a slowdown in traffic due to limited parking related to the construction of the new Nissan Stadium,” MNPD said.

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